Customer Reviews

Strength Training For Baseball

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There is some good info in here, but I found some of the explanations on how to perform the exercises difficult to understand at times. Could be just me though... I also thought that there'd be more emphasis on stretching for flexibility of upper body than there was. It is hard to argue with the results of those Oakland A's teams of that era, so the program obviously works.

Another funny thing is that the book takes a hardline stance against steroids, though we now know Canseco was juicing prior to and during the publication of the book, along with probably most if not all the players on those teams at the time. Anyway, I purchased the book more as a souvenir and a curio rather than a source of info, so take that in consideration when reading this review.

The actual exercises contained within the text are good.
Most of these are still in practice today amongst high school and college baseball coaches.

However, my point of interest lies in the concluding section of the text. Canseco offers the following advice:

"About steroids, don't use them. Steroids create the illusion of great gains in short periods of time, but they have a debilitating effect on your body chemistry, and in the long run you will be much worse for having used them. The ultimate price you have to pay is far, far greater than any short-term gain. Also, baseball is not a game of large muscle. It is a game of strong, solid, durable muscle.
THEREFORE, STEROIDS HAVE VIRTUALLY NO VALUE EVEN IN THE SHORT TERM, IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT BASEBALL."
(Canseco and McKay 1990:159).

Look to his new text, "Juiced", and you'll gain a whole new perspective on the man. Tell me his confession isn't a last ditch attempt to make some money...

Jose Canseco, a physically talented... player, spent years with A's trainer Dave McKay. In this work they show the CORRECT exercises to do, starting from an intense stretching regiment through weight training and ending with how to physically become the complete player. Great for those trying to improve their game or get into better playing shape.

If you want the hard truth about steroids and pro sports then I recommend that you read Game Face by James Chlovechok.

Chlovechok is a sports medicine and steroids experts who has a very well-written and eye-opening book.

Don't read this book if you are scared to find out the truth of what really goes on behind closed doors.